Yesterday was the first day of Spring. Seasons come, and seasons go. I love all things meteorological because weather, seasons, and ages of history are all directed by the providential hand of God.

Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years (Genesis 1:14).

Such verses teach us of God's control of all the cosmos. As we observe the passing of days, months, seasons, years, and decades of history, we observe something of God. We learn that God controls all—from the weather to the ages—and that there is a time for everything in God's gracious wisdom.

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

With this in mind, Tara and I are about to enter a new season of our lives at the end of this year. I will be transitioning to part-time work at Valley Bible Church. I will still be here, still a pastor, and part of the ministry at VBC, but I will be reducing my time and responsibilities. I will no longer hold the primary teaching role at VBC. Some years ago, we decided to include Chris Martin in the preaching team, and we did so with this season in the life of VBC in mind. Too often, churches become dependent on one man, and we have never wanted that to be the case here. It has worked out very well, as Chris is an excellent Bible expositor.

There is so much more we want to be a part of and see accomplished at VBC. However, we also have significant goals for our family. Leaving a godly legacy is something that will endure far beyond our time on earth. The church is important, but our children and grandchildren matter just as much. We have 10 grandchildren (so far), nine of whom live out of state. Even with generous vacation time, full-time ministry is incredibly demanding, making it particularly difficult to spend adequate time with family.

My part-time role means that our other full-time staff members will have changing and/or additional duties. Chris will continue to preach but will also take on additional pastoral responsibilities. Ben Doehle will continue leading our music ministry and Life Groups and is working on a seminary degree from the Shepherd's Seminary. Jerod Jarvis has taken over much of the Youth ministry. He will also continue developing our growing Bridge counseling ministry as he finishes his certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.

That said, we are in excellent hands. These men, the rest of the elders, and current prospective elders recently spent two days at a retreat devoted to planning for such changes. We spent hours talking about this and praying for God's guidance. We have many more ideas for managing this change, but we don't have all the answers yet. There may be a need for more staff, and we are seeking God’s guidance and provision. However, we have a head start on the process and will have a firm plan in place well before the end of the year. We’ll keep you posted.

We want everyone at Valley Bible Church to be aware of these changes ahead, and we ask you to pray for guidance for us as leaders.

I’m a four-seasons kind of guy. With spring upon us, we look forward to the cycle of new life. I appreciate the changes that God brings at every turn, and I’m excited to see all that He will do at Valley Bible Church in the seasons ahead.

Prospective Elders Update

The current prospective elders are Ken Ainsworth, Toby Erickson, Allan Snodgrass, and Kim Peasley.

Since September 2024, the process of evaluating these men has included regular attendance of elder meetings, personal assessment of biblical knowledge and qualifications as elders, shared testimonies during the 2024 Advent season, bi-weekly study meetings, hermeneutics, and discussion on church leadership.

What remains in the evaluation is: Finish the remaining study items, interview candidates and wives, elders provide feedback to candidates, laying out likely roles and expectations, evaluate qualifications, giftedness, and call, candidates prayerfully consider how God is leading them, elders seek affirmation from the congregation, and elders prayerfully make the decision.

The current elders ask the VBC congregation to be in prayer for the prospective elder candidates and for wisdom in the evaluation process. If you have any questions, concerns, or affirmations about one of the elder candidates, please email Pastor Ben at ben@spokanevbc.org or Doug Snook at doug@spokanevbc.org.

Building Project Update

We are officially under construction! While dates are subject to change, here is a rough timeline of what the coming months will entail:

• May 1 - Concrete slab foundation
• July 14 - Auditorium closed
• October 3 - Main construction complete
• October 31 - Grand opening

While we are displaced from the auditorium, we will continue to meet in the church building. Live music and preaching will be set up in Room 130 and will be livestreamed simultaneously to other parts of the building.

Baptisms and Baby/Child Dedications

Abel Garcia, Gavin and Sadie Sweedman, Raegan Hedlund, and Emery and Evelyn Brotcke were baptized on March 16. Timothy Armstrong (7 months), Jeremiah (4), Atticus (2), and Ella (2) Gleason, Melody Keith (1), and Travis Miles (10 months) were dedicated to the Lord by their parents on March 16.